Self-driving cars have come a step closer to reality with General Motors submitting plans for the first production-ready autonomous car to the US Department of Transportation. The Cruise AV has no pedals, steering wheel or manual controls and is designed to operate safely without human intervention.

GM is seeking approval to build 2,500 Cruises, which would be deployed in 2019 co-operation with ride-sharing companies. However, the company needs approval not only from Washington but the states and cities where the cars would be operating.

The manufacturer has filed a petition seeking a waiver because there are some laws it cannot comply with - such as providing an airbag in the steering wheel.

GM, which had been more reluctant to go public about its self-driving vision, now appears to have stolen the march on its rivals in seeking approval for a production-ready car. Already the vehicles are...